Lam 'really proud' of Bears after thrilling derby victory

BRISTOL Bears continued to defy logic on Friday night, as not only did the injury-devastated side beat Gloucester 49-34 at Kingsholm, they scored more points than ever before in a league visit to their West Country rivals.

- John Evely reports on Bristol's victory against Gloucester at Kingsholm

The derby clash for the Rifles Cup produced 12 tries, but Bristol, despite missing 13 backs to injuries heading into the game, which forced director of rugby Pat Lam to draft in two players during the week by signing 92-cap Argentina international centre Matias Moroni and USA back-three utility man Toby Fricker. Bristol made it three wins out of four thanks to doubles from Gabriel Oghre and Kalaveti Ravouvou, while Fitz Harding, Viliame Mata and Sam Worsley also crossed, with Worsley adding seven conversions for a 19-point haul and player of the match award on just his third start in the Gallagher Prem. Gloucester conjured five tries of their own - Will Joseph, Matias Alemanno, James Venter, Seb Blake and Josiah Edwards-Giraud crossing - with Ross Byrne kicking three conversions and a penalty. But George Skivington's team were again left wondering what might have been, as a winning touch again eluded them after going blow for blow with the Bears until the closing stages.

Both clubs were minus numerous key players, with Tomos Williams and Seb Atkinson among those missing for Gloucester, while Bristol's absentees included Louis Rees-Zammit, Ellis Genge and a suspended Tom Jordan, not to mention AJ MacGinty, Harry Randall and Gabriel Ibitoye.

Injuries had taken a significant early-season toll, with Bristol fielding only one member of the back division that started their Prem season opener against Leicester just 19 days previously.

Bristol rugby director Pat Lam said: "I am really proud of this group. We are adjusting and adapting with players out and new players coming in. We have reshaped the schedule.